Edible energy composition with low caffeine

ABSTRACT

An energy composition includes a methylated xanthine, a choline derivative, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable. The energy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, preservatives, and the like.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/742,778, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,993,033 which is an United StatesNational Phase filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT Application NumberPCT/US20081083778, filed Nov. 17, 2008, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/988,599, filed Nov. 16, 2007, allof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to edible compositions with a low caffeineconcentration that provide an individual with an energy burst whenconsumed.

2. Background Art

Energy drinks are beverages that provide an individual with an energysurge that lasts for a variable period of time. Coffee, which is perhapsthe best known energy drink, derives most of its energy enhancingproperties from caffeine. Recently, there has been an increase in thenumber of soft drinks that also provide an energy boost that is equal toor superior to coffee. In addition, such energy drinks may also includesugar which also provides a transient increase in an individual'sperceived energy levels.

Many different formulations for energy drinks exist. However, not allexisting formulations are palatable to all consumers. Some of the priorart formulations possess an unpleasant taste due to the constituents.Other formulations fail to provide a sufficient energy burst. Moreover,consumers continually desire unique and healthy formulations and inparticular for formulations that are low in caffeine.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved edible compositions with lowlevels of caffeine for providing an individual with a perceived energyboost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves one or more problems of the prior art byproviding an edible energy composition. The present invention provides ahealthy alternative in energy and focus providing drinks, with onefeature being increased availability of wholesome nutrients. Inaddition, a choline source (particularly useful is citicoline) isutilized and is surprisingly effective even with low levels (or even nolevels) of caffeine in boosting energy levels in individuals who drinkthe present formulations. The energy composition of this embodimentincludes a methylated xanthine at a relatively low concentration, acholine derivative, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount torender the energy composition palatable. Characteristically, thecomposition of the present embodiment includes low levels fo themethylated xanthine Advantageously, the stimulating effects of thepresent embodiment occur within minutes or hours of consumption. Theenergy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids, enzymes,preservatives, and the like.

In another embodiment, an edible energy composition comprises caffeinein an amount less than about 0.00045 g/ml; choline in an amount fromabout 0.0004 mg/ml to about 0.009 mg/ml, amino acids or an amino acidderivative in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.03 mg/ml, vitamins inan amount from about 0.0003 to about 0.01 mg/ml, glucuronolactone ispresent in an amount from about 0.003 to about 0.01 mg/ml, and at leastone flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy compositionpalatable.

In yet another embodiment, an edible energy composition comprisescaffeine in an amount from about 0.00008 g/ml to about 0.0004 g/ml,citicoline in an amount from about 0.0008 g/ml to about 0.007 g/ml,amino acids or an amino acid derivative in an amount from about 0.0125to about 0.025 mg/ml, vitamins in an amount from about 0.0010 to about0.005 mg/ml, glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.005to about 0.009 mg/ml, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amountto render the energy composition palatable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferredcompositions, embodiments and methods of the present invention, whichconstitute the best modes of practicing the invention presently known tothe inventors. The Figures are not necessarily to scale. However, it isto be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary ofthe invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms.Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of theinvention and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled inthe art to variously employ the present invention.

Except in the examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, allnumerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of materialor conditions of reaction and/or use are to be understood as modified bythe word “about” in describing the broadest scope of the invention.Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred.Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary: percent, “parts of,” andratio values are by weight; the description of a group or class ofmaterials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connectionwith the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more of themembers of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred;description of constituents in chemical terms refers to the constituentsat the time of addition to any combination specified in the description,and does not necessarily preclude chemical interactions among theconstituents of a mixture once mixed; the first definition of an acronymor other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses herein of the sameabbreviation and applies mutatis mutandis to normal grammaticalvariations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless expresslystated to the contrary, measurement of a property is determined by thesame technique as previously or later referenced for the same property.

It is also to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments and methods described below, as specific componentsand/or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminologyused herein is used only for the purpose of describing particularembodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limitingin any way.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” comprise pluralreferents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example,reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise aplurality of components.

Throughout this application, where publications are referenced, thedisclosures of these publications in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference into this application to more fully describethe state of the art to which this invention pertains.

The following description of the embodiment(s) is merely exemplary innature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, itsapplication, or uses.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an edible energy compositionis provided. The energy composition includes water and a combination ofat least two stimulants. In a variation of this embodiment, the energycomposition includes a methylated xanthine and a choline derivative.Examples of methylated xanthines, include but are not limited tocaffeine and theobromine Caffeine is particularly useful in the practiceof the present invention. In a refinement of the present embodiment, themethylated xanthine is present in an amount from less than about 0.00045g/ml. In another refinement of the present embodiment, the methylatedxanthine is present in an amount from less than about 0.0004 g/ml. Inanother refinement of the present invention, the methylated xanthine ispresent in an amount from about 0.00008 g/ml to about 0.0004 g/ml. Instill another embodiment of the present embodiment, the methylatedxanthine is present in an amount from about 0.0001 g/ml to about 0.0003g/ml.

Variations of the present invention also include a choline. Aparticularly useful choline is citicoline which is a well-known brainenhancer. Brain enhancers are substances that are known to improve anindividual's mental acuity. In a refinement, the choline derivative ispresent in an amount from about 0.0004 mg/ml to about 0.009 mg/ml. Inanother refinement, the choline derivative is present in an amount fromabout 0.0008 g/ml to about 0.007 g/ml. In still another refinement, thecholine derivative is present in an amount from about 0.001 g/ml toabout 0.005 g/ml.

In embodiments where caffeine is present, the choline to caffeine ratiocan be 10:1 or even 500:1 with a preferred range of between 10:1 to 20:1by weight respectively. The present invention can achieve the desiredeffect of energy and focus by increasing the ratio of choline. In analternate embodiment, in addition to increasing choline, the amount ofniacin is decreased, or even eliminated, to what is known in the art

In a variation of the present embodiment, the energy composition furthercomprises one or more vitamins Examples of such vitamins include, butare not limited to B6, B12, niacinamide, niacin, folic acid, and thelike. In a refinement, vitamins are present in an amount from about0.0003 g/ml to about 0.01 g/ml. In another refinement, vitamins arepresent in an amount from about 0.0001 g/ml to about 0.005 g/ml. Instill another refinement, vitamins are present in an amount from about0.0003 g/ml to about 0.004 g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include vitamin B6. In arefinement, the B6 is present in an amount from about 0.0003 g/ml toabout 0.001 g/ml. In another refinement, the B6 is present in an amountfrom about 0.0005 g/ml to about 0.0008 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the B6 is present in an amount from about 0.0006 g/ml toabout 0.0008 g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include vitamin B12. In arefinement, the B12 is present in an amount from about 0.000001 g/ml toabout 0.00003 g/ml. In another refinement, the B12 is present in anamount from about 0.000007 g/ml to about 0.00001 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the B12 is present in an amount from about 0.000006 g/ml toabout 0.00001 g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include niacin or aniacin derivative such as niacinamide. In a refinement, the niacin or aderivative thereof is present in an amount from about 0 g/ml to about0.003 g/ml. In a refinement, the niacin or a derivative thereof ispresent in an amount from about 0.0001 g/ml to about 0.0007 g/ml. Instill another refinement, the niacinamide or a derivative thereof ispresent in an amount from about 0.00006 g/ml to about 0.0001 g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include folic acid. In arefinement, the folic acid is present in an amount from about 0 g/ml toabout 0.0002 g/ml. In a refinement, the folic acid is present in anamount from 0.000005 g/ml to about 0.00008 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the folic is present in an amount from about 0.000004 g/mlto about 0.000009 g/ml.

The energy composition of the present embodiment includes one or moreflavorants and/or sweeteners. Characteristically, there are a sufficientnumber of flavorants and/or sweeteners so that unpalatable tastingcomponents will be masked. Such masking is particularly necessary forcaffeine and choline. In a refinement of the present invention, theflavorants are present in an amount from about 0 g/ml to about 0.008g/ml. In another refinement of the present invention, the flavorants arepresent in an amount from about 0.001 g/ml to about 0.008 g/ml.Sucralose is an example of a sweetener that may be used in the presentembodiment. In a refinement, sucralose is present in an amount fromabout 0 to about 0.004 g/ml. In a refinement, sucralose is present in anamount from about 0.0005 to about 0.004 g/ml. In a refinement, sucraloseis present in an amount from about 0.0008 to about 0.003 g/ml. In stillanother refinement, sucralose is present in an amount from about 0.001to about 0.002 g/ml. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (“EDTA”) may alsobe included in the present embodiment to improve flavor. In arefinement, EDTA is present in an amount from about 0.00002 g/ml toabout 0.00009 g/ml. In another refinement, the EDTA is present in anamount from about 0.00003 g/ml to about 0.00007 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the EDTA is present in an amount from about 0.00004 g/ml toabout 0.00006 g/ml. In still another refinement, the EDTA is present inan amount from about 0.00002 g/ml to about 0.00003 g/ml. The energycomposition also includes one or more fruit flavorants. Such fruitflavorants include, but are not limited to lemon lime flavors, orangeflavors, berry flavors, high fructose corn syrup, raspberry juiceconcentrates, berry juice concentrates and the like.

In another variation of the present embodiment, the energy compositionfurther comprises one or more amino acids or amino acid derivatives.Examples of amino acids or derivatives thereof, include, but are notlimited to, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, taurine, andcombinations thereof. In a refinement, amino acids or derivativesthereof are present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.05 g/ml. Ina refinement, amino acids or derivatives thereof are present in anamount from about 0.01 to about 0.03 g/ml. In still another refinement,amino acids or derivatives thereof are present in an amount from about0.0125 to about 0.025 g/ml.

In a refinement, N-acetyl L-tyrosine is present in an amount from about0.001 to about 0.01 g/ml. In a refinement, N-acetyl L-tyrosine ispresent in an amount from about 0.002 to about 0.009 g/ml. In stillanother refinement, N-acetyl L-tyrosine is present in an amount fromabout 0.003 to about 0.007 g/ml.

In a refinement, L-phenylalanine is present in an amount from about0.001 to about 0.008 g/ml. In a refinement, L-phenylalanine is presentin an amount from about 0.002 to about 0.007 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, L-phenylalanine is present in an amount from about 0.003 toabout 0.007 g/ml.

In a refinement, taurine is present in an amount from about 0.002 toabout 0.016 g/ml. In a refinement, taurine is present in an amount fromabout 0.005 to about 0.013 g/ml. In still another refinement, taurine ispresent in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.012 g/ml.

In still another variation of the present embodiment, the energycomposition of the present invention further includes additionalcomponents that reduce fatigue. Such additional components include, forexample glucuronolactone. In a refinement, glucuronolactone is presentin an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012 g/ml. In a refinement,glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.003 to about 0.001g/ml. In still another refinement, glucuronolactone is present in anamount from about 0.005 to about 0.009 g/ml.

In still another variation of the present invention, the energycomposition further includes one or more pH-modifying components. In onerefinement, the pH-modifying components are acidulants. Typically, suchpH-modifying components are inorganic acids or edible organic acids suchas malic acid and citric acid. In a refinement, the pH-modifyingcomponents are present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012g/ml. In a refinement, the pH-modifying components are present in anamount from about 0.003 to about 0.0009 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the pH-modifying components are present in an amount fromabout 0.004 to about 0.007 g/ml.

In still another variation of the present invention, the energycomposition includes added fiber. Cellulose is an example of a fiberthat may be used in the present variation.

In still another variation of the present embodiment, the energycomposition further includes one or more enzymes. Examples of suchenzymes include, but are not limited to, amylase, protease, lactase,lipase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

In yet another variation of the present invention, the energycomposition further comprises a preservative. In a refinement, thepreservative is a natural preservative. Examples of useful preservativesinclude, but are not limited to, benzoic acid and benzoic acidderivatives such as sodium benzoate, calcium benzoate, potassiumbenzoate, magnesium benzoate, and combinations thereof; and sorbic acidderivatives such as potassium sorbate. In a refinement, the preservativeis present in an amount from about 0 to about 0.01 g/ml. In arefinement, the preservative is present in an amount from about 0.001 toabout 0.008 g/ml. In still another refinement, the preservative ispresent in an amount from about 0.004 to about 0.006 g/ml.

In a variation of the present invention, a composition comprising theformulations as set forth in Table 1 is provided. The compositions ofTable 1 are formed by blending or mixture the components in any order.Blends or mixtures such as those in Table 1 may be introduced into asuitable liquid such as water to form a drink.

TABLE 1 Edible Energy Compositions Composition Composition Composition 1Amounts 2 Amounts 3 Amounts (parts per (parts per (parts per Componentweight) weight) weight) Caffeine  0-60  5-20  5-20 Citicoline/choline 25-500  50-400  50-400 Vitamins B6 20-60 35-45 40 B12 0.40-0.60 0.4-0.60.5 Niacin  0-40  0-40 5 Folic Acid 0.3-0.5 0.3-0.5 0.4 Glucuronolactone200-600 300-500 300-500 Amino Acids N-Acetyl L-Tryosine 150-500 200-400200-400 L-Phenylalanine 150-400 200-400 200-400 Taurine 300-800 350-700350-700 Malic Acid 200-500 250-400 250-400 Flavorants  0-400 200-350200-350 Preservatives sodium benzoate  0-150 25-75  0-75 potassiumsorbate  0-150 25-75  0-75 Sweeteners sucralose  0-150 55-75  0-75

In a variation of the present embodiment, the compositions of thepresent invention are made by introducing suitable amounts of theingredients set forth in Table 1 into a suitable edible liquid. Water isa particularly useful liquid for this purpose. It is to be appreciatedthat each of the components hereof are water soluble. Thus, in preparingthe beverage, the ingredients are mixed together at room temperature, inany order, and the solid ingredients, which are in powdered form, arereadily solubilized in the water. Those components that have moredifficulty are solubilized through the utilization of chelatingproperties of the EDTA. Tables 2-4 provide a set of components that maybe introduced into such a liquid. The amounts provided in Tables 2-4 areparticularly useful to form compositions having a total final volume ofabout 60 ml.

In preparing the consumable beverage, dry ingredients may be mixedtogether and then added to liquid, each ingredient added to a containerof liquid in succession, or the like. The process may be adjusted forsolubility, as is known in the art. One such routine technique is toutilize EDTA to enhance solubility. Any temperature in which theingredients do not lose significant functional or aesthetic qualities isacceptable. Processing at room temperature is preferred. Each of thecomponents are commercially available. The energy drink composition isstorage stable for extended periods at room temperature. To the extentthat there is any separation or precipitation out of solution, stirringwith agitation will re-solubilize the precipitate.

TABLE 2 Edible Energy Composition Amounts in 60 ml water ComponentAmounts (mg) Caffeine  0-60 Citicoline/choline  25-500 Vitamins B6 20-60B12 0.40-0.60 Niacin  0-40 Folic Acid 0.3-0.5 Glucuronolactone 200-600Amino Acids N-Acetyl L-Tryosine 150-500 L-Phenylalanine 150-400 Taurine300-800 Malic Acid 200-500 Flavorants  0-400 Preservatives sodiumbenzoate  0-150 potassium sorbate  0-150 Sweeteners sucralose  0-150

TABLE 3 Edible Energy Composition Amounts in 60 ml water ComponentAmounts (mg) Caffeine  5-20 Citicoline/choline  50-400 Vitamins B6 35-45B12 0.4-0.6 Niacin  0-40 Folic Acid 0.3-0.5 Glucuronolactone 300-500Amino Acids N-Acetyl L-Tryosine 200-400 L-Phenylalanine 200-400 Taurine350-700 Malic Acid 250-400 Flavorants 200-350 Preservatives sodiumbenzoate 25-75 potassium sorbate 25-75 Sweeteners sucralose 55-75

TABLE 4 Edible Energy Composition Amount in 60 ml water ComponentAmounts (mg) Caffeine  5-20 Citicoline/choline  50-400 Vitamins B6 40B12 0.5 Niacinamide 5 Folic Acid 0-5 Glucuronolactone 300-500 AminoAcids N-Acetyl L-Tryosine 200-400 L-Phenylalanine 200-400 Taurine350-700 Malic Acid 200-400 Flavorants  0-400 Preservatives sodiumbenzoate  0-150 potassium sorbate  0-150 Sweeteners sucralose  0-150

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A low-caffeine edible energy compositionconsisting of: caffeine in an amount from about 0.00008 g/ml to about0.0004 g/ml; a choline derivative in an amount from about 0.0004 g/ml toabout 0.009 g/ml; a vitamin selected the group consisting of vitamin B6,vitamin B12; folic acid and combinations thereof; glucuronolactone; anamino acid selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl L-tyrosine andL-phenylalanine and combinations thereof; taurine; an acidulant selectedfrom the group consisting malic acid, citric acid and combinationthereof; sucralose; and at least one preservative selected from thegroup consisting of benzoic acid derivatives, sorbic acid derivatives,EDTA and combinations thereof.
 2. The energy composition of claim 1wherein said caffeine is present in an amount from about 0.0001 g/ml toabout 0.0003 g/ml.
 3. The energy composition of claim 1 wherein saidcholine derivative is present in an amount from about 0.0008 g/ml toabout 0.007 g/ml.
 4. The energy composition of claim 1 wherein saidcholine derivative is present in an amount from about 0.001 g/ml toabout 0.005 g/ml.
 5. The energy composition of claim 1 wherein saidcholine derivative comprises citicoline.
 6. The energy composition ofclaim 1 wherein said choline derivative comprises choline citrate. 7.The energy composition of claim 1 wherein said N-acetyl L-tyrosine ispresent in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.01 g/mi.
 8. The energycomposition of claim 1 wherein said L-phenylalanine is present in anamount from about 0.001 to about 0.008 g/ml.
 9. The energy compositionof claim 1 wherein said taurine is present in an amount from about 0.002to about 0.016 g/ml.
 10. The energy composition of claim 1 wherein saidglucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012g/ml.
 11. The energy composition of claim 1 wherein said folic acid ispresent in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.0002 g/ml.
 12. Theenergy composition of claim 1 wherein said vitamin B6 is present in anamount from about 0.0003 to about 0.001 g/ml.
 13. The energy compositionof claim 1 wherein said vitamin B12 is present in an amount from about0.000001 to about 0.00003 g/ml.
 14. The energy composition of claim 1wherein said preservative is sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate andEDTA.